Overview & Reviews

Introduced in the mid-1990s, the front-wheel-drive Ford Windstar minivan campaigned with an emphasis on, and reputation for, safety. And in the hotly contested family minivan market of the time, that was an especially solid piece of ground to be on. As long as buyers didn't need to haul adults in back on a regular basis -- or find it necessary to remove the heavy third-row bench seat from the van often for additional cargo room -- the Windstar generally served a family's needs just fine.

Unfortunately, the Ford Windstar's general reputation for reliability was notably poorer than other competing minivans, particularly those from Honda and Toyota. The van's engine and transmission were particularly troublesome. In addition, we often criticized the Windstar for its noisy engines, poor interior space utilization and floppy handling.

Consequently, we suggest most shoppers take a look at other choices in this segment. But if you are set on getting a used Windstar, we'd at least suggest focusing on the most recent generation and consider opting for an extended warranty, if available.

Most recent Ford Windstar

During its nine years on the market, there were two Ford Windstar generations. The most recent was produced from 1999 to 2003. (Ford renamed it the Freestar for 2004.) The '99 van was completely redesigned to look more modern and sporty while upgrading mechanicals and adding a driver-side sliding door. The second- and third-row seats were now on rollers for easier maneuverability, and up front the instrument panel was reworked for improved ergonomics. There were also upgrades made to the suspension, transmission, brakes and air-conditioning.

Models now included base, LX, SE, SEL and Limited versions. Powering the van was either a 3.0-liter 150-horsepower V6 engine or -- a much more desirable -- 200-hp 3.8-liter V6. In reviews of the Ford Windstar at the time, our editors lauded the 3.8-liter engine for its power but complained that it was noisy under acceleration. We were also unhappy with its disconnected ride and handling, poor interior space utilization and weak reputation for reliability. Positive attributes included a plethora of convenience and safety features and top-notch crash test scores.

If we were shopping used Windstars, this new-and-improved second-generation version is as far back as we'd go. There were a few updates made through the years. The most significant of these were standard power-adjustable pedals, an optional rear-seat video entertainment system for 2000, the switch to the 3.8-liter engine as standard for all models in 2001 and the availability of safety-enhancing AdvanceTrac stability control for 2003.

Past Ford Windstar models

Ford introduced the front-wheel-drive Windstar in 1995 to replace its outgoing Aerostar rear-drive minivan. The new Windstar featured an extensive list of standard equipment, including dual airbags, antilock brakes, a four-speed automatic transmission and V6 power. Inside was seating for seven, including a unique integrated child seat.

The Windstar's only available engine was a 3.8-liter V6 which produced just 155 hp, but a more generous 220 pound-feet of low-end torque. Only a base GL model was available, but a more luxurious LX trim level was added in 1996 when a 3.0-liter 150-horsepower Vulcan V6 was made standard and an upgraded 3.8-liter V6 engine rated at 200 horses was optional. That year also saw four-wheel disc brakes fitted on vehicles equipped with traction control or the towing package. In 1998 -- the final year of its first generation -- the Windstar's driver's door was widened as a stop-gap measure to help access to the second row until the completely redesigned Windstar arrived a year later with a fourth door.

User Reviews:

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  honesty. - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By Shayne - December 31 - 10:00 am

  I like my Ford Windstar, however we have had nothing but minor problems with this or that since the get go... over all i would have to say that these problems have been quite... frustrating... Ford should pay more attention to the details.

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  Windstar? - 1997 Ford Windstar
  By Tom - December 20 - 6:02 am

  Bought demo 4600 miles, 22 mpg on trips, 16 city. Solid vehicle with unfortunately some flaws front stabilizer bar came loose ~ 70K shop welded both sides for $250, speedometer bounces 40K, $500 live with, intake leaked 115,000K, $1,500, stuck valve before I caught it and radiator leaked transmission fluid $450, water pump $300, couple sensors died $160 for parts. I have a cheap mechanic - cost might be double at dealer. It still runs like new, 10,000 miles on synthetic oil with no oil added. 3.8 still squeals the tires if you want. Advice: Change transmission fluid no problems. If you loose coolant find the leak and fix. Great vehicle, mainly need to fix the gasket problem.

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  1999 Ford Windstar LX - 3 Door - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By CCSM - December 20 - 2:00 am

  Bought it with 90K, five months later with 97K, have to replace intake manifold gasket, cost $435.

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  Never Again - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By Karen E - November 30 - 1:01 pm

  Worst, most unreliable vehicle ever. We are looking at cars and wont even consider Ford after our Windstar experience. Nearing 50K miles needed new transmission. Interior lights and locks dont work properly. Noises galore. Check engine light perpetually on - need to clear this for third time at 60K. Clunky metal squeak from rear of car. Windshield cracked twice above rearview mirror which kept falling off. Tires went bald at 20K. Nightmare.

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  A Money Pit - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By MaryBeth - November 28 - 5:25 pm

  Our Windstar has been nothing but a money pit and I cant wait to sell it and buy a Honda. In the last 6 months I have been stranded 4 times. Alternator, brake switch, ignition switch and A/C compressor have all had to be replaced. The people at Ford should be embarrassed for making such a poor quality van.

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  The Ford Windstar is a piece of junk - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By johnanderson - November 24 - 10:00 am

  The Ford Windstar is a piece of junk, dont buy one This is the only new car I ever bought and it is the worst car I ever owned. It’s supposed to be 100,000 mi service free 1998 Windstar LX NEW TRANSMISSION AT 75,000 MI Loose computer cables 1st week New battery first 6 months New alternator first 6 months New Serpentine belt at 30kmi New rear shocks at 50kmi 3 sets of tie rods in 65,000 mi New Catalytic converter at 75,000mi 2 new oxygen sensors 2 of 5 power locks don’t work All the plastic screws are falling out on the out side And don’t even ask about the crappy service department. I left Ford as soon as the warrantee ran out

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  Done With Fords - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By Towers - November 18 - 3:07 pm

  I needed a minivan because we were having twins. It was a great vehicle while the kids were infants. Easy to get babies into and out of the vehicle,and was roomy enough for everything. Too many problems were shared between me and another Windstar owner: both had idling problems in the morning both have a transmission that slips both have a stuck temp. control switch and both have a check engine light due to a vacuum leak. Its a safe vehicle that is great on road trips, but its time for a more reliable vehicle for me.

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  Not a happy camper - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By Not A happy camper - November 12 - 6:54 am

  New transmission at 37,000 miles this was a nightmare since the new transmission still slips. New rack at 38,000. At 99,000 I am installing a newer used motor due to the loss of the original motor. I would drive this van off a cliff but cant find one high enough around here. I now have a new Toyota Tundra in the driveway.

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  Better than GM or Chrysler! - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By PL - November 5 - 1:28 pm

  Bought this after owning/driving Chevy Venture and Dodge Caravan. This was hands down a better van. Bigger, more power, better ride than the competition. Gas mileage less on the larger 3.8L engine, but significant power and better towing ability makes that negligible at 25mpg hi-way vs 28+ on the others with a small trailer. Loved it from day one and it still drives like new, turning 109,000 this week. Maintenance is easier on Windstar-easier oil/filter changes. Cabin air filter for allergy sufferers is good idea. Overall I would say 100% better than Venture and 50% better than Chrysler products. Looked at Honda, Hyundai before buying this. We have never regretted it a second!

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  STAY AWAY FROM - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By Invknight - October 12 - 2:03 am

  Had a transmission replaced FIVE TIMES IN TWO AND A HALF YEARS - ONLY TWO WERE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. Horrible customer service cost me $8K in legal costs just to get out of vehicle and Ford was horrible - owned four Ford vehicles before this and WILL NEVER OWN one again after - even sold my FORD stock before it hit junk price, congrats Bill Ford - you know how to ruin a family name.